2013: The Year in News

From shocking revelations to political showdowns…its been an eventful 2013. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen a number of notable newsmakers, faux pas, and scandals. We have mourned the loss of innocent individuals. And bid farewell to an international hero. FromTV2OD.com looks at fifteen memorable events…events that impacted the workplace and the nation.

One of corporate America’s most popular executives was shunned because of a business decision. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer was publicly scolded after she banned telecommuting. Working moms were among her biggest critics saying that Mayer set them back by doing away with flexible work.

The 16 Day Government Shutdown…President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner couldn’t agree on a plan to fund the government. And Americans were reeling! Federal government employees suffered significant losses. Museums and national parks were closed.

The DC Navy Yard Shooting was one of the most horrific crimes that occurred in the workplace. Aaron Alexis went on a killing spree. 12 employees were killed. And four others were injured. The tragic incident raised awareness about individuals suffering from mental illness.

Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines was the summer hit.The song was number one on the music charts. And Thicke came under fire for its racy lyrics and accusations he stole the song from Marvin Gaye.

One of America’s most beloved chefs—Paula Deen came under fire after one of her former employees accused her of using the N-word. Deen later apologized but lost most of her sponsors in the wake of the controversy.

A scandal surfaced on the Miami Dolphins football turf. The organization made headlines this year after it was revealed that veteran offensive lineman Richie Incognito allegedly bullied Jonathan Martin. Martin left the team. In the wake of the scandal, a series of reports surfaced implicating Incognito as a bully with a history of abusing teammates.

Millions of people around the world posed for the camera on their smartphones…took a flick of themselves and shared the ever so popular “selfie” on social media websites. Oxford Dictionary dubbed “selfie” as the word of the year!

After nearly twenty years away from television…talk show host Arsenio Hall returned to late night television earning big ratings.

People around the world mourned the death of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela. The 95-year-old Mandela was known for his crusade to end apartheid. Mandela spent 27 years in prison. He was a teacher who taught about the importance of forgiveness. The freedom fighter forgave the same government that imprisoned him.

Edward Snowdenblew the whistle on the government. The former National Security Agency employee leaked classified documents to the media. The documents included details regarding the government’s surveillance program. Snowden fled to a temporary asylum in Russia. Snowden is charged with espionage and stealing government property.

United States Senator Elizabeth Warren introduced legislation to prohibit employers from pulling credit reports of job applicants. The Equal Employment for All Act would prohibit employers from requiring potential employees to disclose their credit history as part of the job application process.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford openly admitted to smoking crack cocaine while in a drunken stupor. After he was stripped of his power, the disgraced Mayor had a short stint as a television talk show host.

The founder of Lululemon put his foot in his mouth when he made a statement about Lululemon’s yoga pants. Chip Wilson claimed the pants don’t work for “some” women’s bodies. His comment ignited firestorm. Wilson has decided to step down from his post.

It turns out the first day on the job was the worst and last on the job for a North Dakota news anchor. A.J. Clemente was fired after he cursed on air during a newscast.